How to turn on Windows Firewall in XP
Use the following method to turn on windows firewall.
{PCINFO: Windows Firewall is the default firewall built into Windows XP Home and XP Pro. It blocks unwanted network traffic and aids in preventing users from hacking a computer or non-authorized programs i.e. trojans from connecting to the internet from your computer.}
Method One:
1. Click on Start > Control Panel.
2. Double click on the Windows Firewall icon and a Windows firewall window will open.
3. Select the On(recommended) radio button to turn the firewall on.
4. Click on the [OK] button in the Windows Firewall window and the selection will be saved and the window will close.
{PCINFO: Windows Firewall is the default firewall built into Windows XP Home and XP Pro. It blocks unwanted network traffic and aids in preventing users from hacking a computer or non-authorized programs i.e. trojans from connecting to the internet from your computer.}
Method One:
1. Click on Start > Control Panel.
2. Double click on the Windows Firewall icon and a Windows firewall window will open.
3. Select the On(recommended) radio button to turn the firewall on.
4. Click on the [OK] button in the Windows Firewall window and the selection will be saved and the window will close.
Definitely a good idea to turn on the Windows firewall; however, be aware that some wireless routers require that it be turned off in order for the router to work. Most wireless routers nowadays come with firewalls built-in, so you'll still be safe.
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I would be very curious what wireless router you have encountered this with. I have been using Linksys routers so I haven't had exposure to the variety of wireless routers out there. I would be very alarmed at this requirement by some routers and would NOT recommend using them.
Yes the majority of DSL/Cable modem routers have firewalls, BUT I would not recommend that as your sole defense against outside intruders.
Most outside firewall such as these are NAT based and a very savy malicious hacker can come thru a NAT based firewall or other protection i.e. MAC filtering, like a hot knife thru butter.
You should have a ringed defense in place and to start your router as the first line of defense and continue with the second as your OS or third party firewall.
Most firewalls today including the ones built into XP and Vista are easy enough to allow any connections you want wheather application or port based. If you indeed have encountered a router that required the firewall to be turned off I would have definetly hoped you researched why and maybe experimented with making sure SNMP is turned off, etc.
Thank You so much for the information and I'll be looking into this myself
DougBob
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